The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: Chapter 51 Summary & Analysis

Evelyn’s biography picks back up the day after the Oscars. When Harry reads the note from Max, he’s silent for a while before suggesting that nothing would change between himself and Evelyn if they got a divorce. He would still visit every day, and Connor would sleep at his house whenever she wanted. In fact, a divorce would make more sense of why they live in separate houses. Harry tells Evelyn to do what she wants, and says it’d be good for her to fall in love with someone. Evelyn doesn’t like the idea of divorcing Harry, but he suggests she showed him the note because she’s tempted to marry Max.

Three weeks later, Evelyn visits Max’s apartment to ask whether his proposal is serious. He confirms it is: it’s been 20 years since they first met, and he’s directed three of the most important films in Evelyn’s career. She inspires him just as he inspires her. They undress each other and have sex, bringing Evelyn pleasure she hasn’t felt in years. Afterwards, she asks Max whether he'd accept being a stepfather and whether it’d bother him that Harry would always be around. Max says he’s fine with those things, and he also doesn’t mind moving into Evelyn’s apartment. Evelyn agrees to marry him.